Serving the U.S. for Decades to Come

The Boeing B-52 primarily provides the United States with immediate nuclear and conventional global strike capability. The B-52 is the most combat capable bomber in the U.S. inventory. Due to its high mission-capable rate, large payload, long range, persistence and ability to employ both nuclear and conventional precision standoff weapons, the B-52 continues to be a critical contributor to the U.S. National Security Strategy.

B-52 Customer

Originally designed as an intercontinental, high-altitude nuclear bomber, the B-52’s operational capabilities have advanced over the years to meet changing national defense needs. Boeing built 744 B-52s and delivered the last, a B-52H, in October 1962. Only the H model is still in the Air Force inventory; it is assigned to Air Force Global Strike Command.

B-52 Quick Facts

The B-52’s 185-foot wingspan is too wide to take off or land in a crossing using traditional flying techniques.

Boeing engineers designed special landing gear that could align with the runway allowing special takeoffs and landings.

The original design of the B-52 placed a gunner in the tail of the aircraft. Later designs moved the gunner forward with the rest of the crew.

After the Gulf War in the early 1990s, the gunner position and defensive machine guns were eliminated.

U.S. Air Force engineering studies suggest that the lifespan of the B-52 could extend beyond 2040.